Wearing Black in Summer: A How-To
Black has become an unlikely mainstay in our summer wardrobes, and for good reason. Here’s how to wear black now (and stay cool)
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Wearing Black in Summer: A How-To
Black has become an unlikely mainstay in our summer wardrobes, and for good reason. Here’s how to wear black now (and stay cool)
Although common sense might deem wearing black in summer a sartorial no-go – the light-and-heat-absorbing hue an unnecessary recipe for making hot afternoons hotter – don’t write the shade off just yet. Black returns as an in-the-know warm-weather staple, exuding understated elegance and the epitome of fuss-free week-to-weekend styling. What to focus on? Floaty silhouettes, easy-to-style wardrobe staples, and breathable fabrics. For the sceptic, here’s Liberty’s case for wearing black this summer.
Take It Slow
For beach-to-bar style with flair, try a printed dress in a mermaid silhouette like the Rat & Boa Sabine Zebra Maxi Dress, £225. The semi-sheer fabric keeps things breezy, while the bold print is a solid first-stab for those still unsure. Otherwise, the simplest gateway into wearing black in summer is to start with swimwear – try Hunza G’s Dolly Swimsuit, £185 with its playful gingham trim for an effortlessly flattering poolside look. Similarly, black accessories can help anchor your summer wardrobe and bring some depth to those colourful, raffia filled suitcases.
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Angular Sunglasses
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Rat & Boa
Rhoda Zebra Shirt Dress
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Ganni
Banana Print Tote Bag
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Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Hunza G
Gina Contrast Black-White Bikini
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Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Style a Matching Set
Co-ords are a must for year-round fuss-free styling but are especially useful during the summer months – and a black co-ord is endlessly versatile and polished. Just one matching set can offer multiple options for air-conditioned offices and post-work evenings in the city alike. Worn together, this Peachy Den set is at once a chic and practical all-black look, which would look even better with stacked jewellery and a statement shoe. Then, style the Deba Onyx Shirred Top, £95 with crisp white denim and sandals, and the Deba Onyx Midi Skirt, £120 with a simple tank top and trainers. Easy does it.
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FARM Rio
Coconut One-Piece Swimsuit
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DÔEN
Traveller Cotton Floral Eyelet Top
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Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Peachy Den
Deba Onyx Midi Skirt
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Nackiyé
Striped Grand Bazaar Mini Top
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Saint Laurent
Chunky Square Sunglasses
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Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Toteme
Thin Suede Belt
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Make it Pop
While an all-black outfit always delivers polished elegance, disrupting monochrome looks with a flash of unexpected colour is a playful way to retain that under-the-sun feeling. A graphic t-shirt day-to-day must, and is an effortless way to inject personality into tonal looks. Comfortable, easy and effortlessly elevated, a simple shorts and a t-shirt outfit sometimes can’t be beat.
The flash of yellow on Ganni’s Black Banana Graphic T-Shirt, £145 brings a bit of fun to a classic black t-shirt, and the styling options are endless. For an easy weekend look, wear it with Reformation’s Raye Mid-Rise 6’’ Relaxed Jean Shorts, £158, or dress it up with Alberta Ferretti’s Glossy Satin Long Skirt, £565. Plus, turn to Liberty bags for a joyful outfit finisher.
Nackiyé
Striped Grand Bazaar Mini Top
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Ganni
Banana Print Tote Bag
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Free UK Standard delivery within 5 working days on all orders over £100
Easy Breezy
When styling black in the heat, paying attention to fabrics is a must. Lightweight silk, linen and ultra-thin cotton are ideal, and help to bring a summery feel to your black outfits. Another useful trick is to choose roomy silhouettes that leave a little breathing space, to prevent any unpleasant clinging, like this Solid & Striped Black Lolita Dress, £240. Simply add woven sandals and a basket bag, and you’ve got the perfect summer look. For something more evening-ready, opt for Simone Rocha’s Deep Lace Trim Dress, £495.
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